See more about – The 22 Best 90s Cartoon Characters

9. Roronoa Zoro – One Piece

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One Piece is the show that just keeps on giving, Still going after two decades on the air, the swashbuckling pirate anime features a colorful cast of characters, none more so than Roronoa Zoro. The swordsman is a total badass and one of the main characters on the show. Easily identifiable thanks to his green hair, Zoro is handy with a blade and can always be relied upon by his other crewmates to get the job done, whatever that entails. 

Even though he has a terrible sense of direction (a running gag throughout the series) and a friendly rivalry with Sanji, Zoro has his head screwed on. He is always striving to learn as a fighter and provides fans with plenty of laughs due to his antics. 

8. Goku – Dragonball Z

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He might not be the best character in the Dragonball Z series, but Son Goku is a revelation when it comes to Japanese anime characters. A mainstay throughout all the series, movies, and manga, Goku is one of the few protagonists who has grown up on our screens. Most anime characters don’t change physically, but Goku has evolved from a child to a man. 

Goku might not win any popularity contests within the Dragonball Z universe, but everyone can admit the impact he has had on the series. He has been involved in many of the major storylines and is a great warrior, despite often being a little gullible. His influence on anime can also not be dismissed, with the creators of One Piece citing Goku as having a big effect on the protagonists of their show. 

7. Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist

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A popular anime character with fans is Edward Elric. As the main protagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist (an incredible anime), he is somewhat of a different shonen anime hero. Possessed with a brilliant mind, a passionate attitude, and just enough ego to make him charming, Elric experiences all the highs and lows during Fullmetal Alchemist.